University Heights City Council Chambers to get makeover of historic proportions

The University Heights City Council Chambers -- shown here during a 2013 town hall meeting that included comments from city Firefighter Mike DiDomenico -- will be getting an $11,000 facelift this year, including a paint job and new carpeting in the local landmark.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A fresh coat of paint, new carpeting and the blessing of the city's Architectural Review Board can work wonders.

With this in mind, members of University Heights council voted Jan. 21 to give their legislative chambers in the local landmark City Hall an $11,000 makeover.

"Look around this room and you will probably agree that it's about time," Mayor Susan Infeld said as city Building Commissioner David Menn pointed to some of the peeling and chipped paint, along with bubbling plaster.

The construction of City Hall dates back to the 1920s, making it one of the older buildings still standing in town.

Although it has not gained official Historic Landmark status at the state or federal levels, the local ARB has still been involved in the process.

No one could say for sure when was the last time the chambers had been painted, although Councilwoman Nancy English recalled that it was done with the same color scheme.

"I don't think they mix some of these colors anymore," Councilman Mark Wiseman said of some of the mostly beige hues.

This time around, there will be more gray and less brown, as will be the case with the new carpeting that also sports some red streaks.

And in working with the ARB, city officials noted that there are some features in the room that simply cannot be replaced.

Infeld mentioned the "asbestos-backed tile" that in some cases is crumbling on the dais where council sits, to which Councilwoman Pamela Cameron quipped, "You could have said something."

That tile will now be replaced with carpeting as well, at a total cost of about $5,500, the low bid that came from Marshall Carpet One of Mayfield Heights.

Menn said the closest bid on carpeting and installation was closer to $8,000.

The painting will be done by Robert C. Van Gunten Inc. of Gates Mills and University Heights, with a bid of $5,885.

Councilman Phil Ertel asked about the visible water damage in the council chamber walls and ceiling that resulted from a leaking roof.

Menn said that because the roof on City Hall has since been repaired, he does not anticipate any further damage to the interior plaster.

Infeld pointed out that the damage occurred during the local storms brought on by Hurricane Sandy back in the fall of 2012.

In other business at the Jan. 21 meeting, City Council authorized the purchase of a 2014 Ford Escape for the Building Department at a cost of just over $20,000.

It will replace a 2002 Dodge Dakota that has less than 50,000 miles but is seriously deteriorated and has no working heater. It will be transferred over to the city Service Department.